Over the past two decades, dermatologists and Ayurvedic practitioners have observed a steady rise in vitiligo cases. Once considered a rare condition, it’s now being seen in children, teenagers, and adults alike. To understand this growing trend, we spoke with Dr. Neha Dongaonkar, an experienced Ayurvedic skin and beauty specialist from Skin Heal Solutions, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
What Is Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin condition where the body’s immune system attacks pigment-producing cells (melanocytes), leading to white patches on the skin. While the condition is not contagious, it can affect self-esteem and emotional health.
1. Modern Diet and Lifestyle – The Major Cause
According to Dr. Neha Dongaonkar, one of the primary reasons for the rise in vitiligo is poor dietary habits and an imbalanced lifestyle.
Many people consume fast food, junk food, fermented foods (like idli, dosa), Chinese food, and items containing Ajinomoto (MSG) regularly. Such foods disturb digestion and increase body toxins.
In Ayurveda, this leads to “Rasa Dhatu Dushti” – contamination of the body’s vital fluids – which ultimately results in autoimmune skin disorders like vitiligo and psoriasis.
Ayurvedic Insight:
When the digestive system weakens, toxins (Ama) accumulate in the body and disturb the balance of Tridoshas, especially Pitta and Kapha, leading to skin discoloration and cellular damage.
2. Underlying Health Conditions
Dr. Dongaonkar explains that people over 40 often develop vitiligo due to internal health disorders such as:
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Diabetes
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Thyroid imbalance
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Anemia
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Long-term intestinal infections (like amoebiasis)
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Liver and kidney weakness
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Hypertension and fatty liver
As age increases, liver function and metabolism slow down, making it harder for the body to eliminate toxins. This slows healing and recovery time in vitiligo patients.
However, with Ayurvedic Panchkarma detox, internal medication, diet correction, and regular follow-ups, even long-standing vitiligo can be gradually healed.
3. Misconceptions and Delayed Treatment
In many rural areas, people still believe that vitiligo is caused by divine curse or bad luck. They try traditional or village remedies first and only seek medical help when the disease spreads.
Dr. Dongaonkar strongly clarifies that vitiligo is not a punishment or curse, but a biological disorder caused by internal imbalances. Early treatment with Ayurveda can prevent further spread and restore skin health naturally.
4. Real Success Stories from Skin Heal Solutions
Case 1:
A 57-year-old woman from Ahmednagar had vitiligo for over 40 years, covering her back, arms, legs, and abdomen. Despite her long medical history and metabolic slowdown, she followed Dr. Dongaonkar’s Ayurvedic protocol diligently — including strict diet (no milk, curd, or dairy), herbal medications, sun exposure, and Panchkarma therapy.
Within two years, almost all white patches disappeared — except minor ones on her fingers and knees. Her transformation inspired her entire community to trust Ayurveda again.
Case 2:
A young girl from a nearby village had white patches on her lips. After a year of consistent Ayurvedic treatment and local applications, her pigmentation returned completely, and the patches vanished.
Ayurvedic Approach to Healing Vitiligo
At Skin Heal Solutions, the treatment focuses on:
✅ Body detox through Panchkarma
✅ Internal herbal medicines to purify blood and balance doshas
✅ Diet and lifestyle correction
✅ Stress management and immunity support
Dr. Neha Dongaonkar emphasizes that faith, discipline, and patience are the keys to recovery. Ayurveda has powerful, time-tested medicines for skin disorders like vitiligo and psoriasis — and continued research is making results even more promising.
Final Message
Ayurveda teaches that “True healing starts from within.”
Vitiligo may take time, but with the right Ayurvedic approach, consistent treatment, and lifestyle balance — complete recovery is possible.
Written by:
Dr. Neha Dongaonkar
BAMS, Ayurvedic Skin & Wellness Specialist
Skin Heal Solutions
